Real Madrid News
Real Madrid duo still not training with group ahead of Malaga clash
Real Madrid continue preparing for their third La Liga fixture of the season, with newly promoted Malaga visiting the Santiago Bernabeu on Sunday.
Having started the season with back-to-back victories over RCD Espanyol and Real Sociedad, the Merengues will be gunning to make it three in three.
However, everything suggests that manager Jose Mourinho will still be without several players for the weekend.
No Tchouameni or Endrick
Indeed, according to MARCA, key midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni and young forward Endrick continue to train separately from the main group.
Both are following specific programs designed to restore their fitness to 100% and prevent further setbacks.
Endrick suffered a muscular overload a couple of weeks ago, resulting in him missing the friendly match against Schalke before sitting out of the first two games of the season as well.
Meanwhile, Tchouameni is still not ready to compete after returning from his World Cup commitments, having not taken part in any pre-season friendlies or the opening week of the new season.
As such, the presence of both Tchouameni and Endrick against Malaga appears increasingly unlikely.
Having returned after a successful loan spell at Olympique Lyon, this was going to be an important season for Endrick. But the physical issue, coupled with the early impact being made by new signing Carlos Espi, could complicate the 20-year-old’s situation.
As for Tchouameni, while he could still have an important role, Mourinho seems to have found a reliable midfield pairing in Bernardo Silva and Federico Valverde, which could make things tricky for the Frenchman.
Several other players remain sidelined
Meanwhile, Mourinho will also be without the likes of Thiago Pitarch, Ferland Mendy, Eder Militao, Rodrygo Goes and Raul Asencio, who are all continuing their respective recovery processes.
There has nevertheless been some progress for the first three. Thiago, Mendy and Militao have already been seen working with the ball at Valdebebas, representing another step towards their eventual return to competitive action.
For now, though, Mourinho looks set to have to work with the same core of available players as Real Madrid continue their perfect start to the league campaign.
Arsenal’s search for attacking reinforcements has brought Endrick back into the picture, with the Premier League club making fresh enquiries about the Real Madrid forward.
According to Graeme Bailey, Arsenal have renewed their interest in the Brazilian after making contact with Real Madrid over his availability.
The development comes as the Gunners assess their options following the departure of Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal, creating space in Mikel Arteta’s attacking plans.
Endrick’s future at the Santiago Bernabéu has been a subject of interest throughout the summer.
His representatives explored the possibility of a move to England earlier in the window, contacting several Premier League clubs.
As per the journalist, Arsenal were among the teams approached, alongside Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa and Fulham.
Real Madrid, for their part, made their position clear: they see Endrick remaining at the club.
Arsenal revisit Endrick after Martinelli exit
It is said that the Gunners had already discussed Endrick with Real Madrid earlier in the summer during conversations involving Vinicius Jr., who later renewed his contract with Los Blancos.
Those discussions also included enquiries about Arda Guler and Endrick has now emerged again as a potential option.
Notably, the Brazilian is aware that Arsenal represent a possible destination.
The prospect of joining one of Europe’s biggest clubs, while potentially having a clearer route to regular first-team football, is understood to appeal to him.
However, that does not mean a move is close, particularly given Mourinho’s preference to keep the forward in Madrid.
Mourinho’s stance could be decisive for Real Madrid
Endrick has been one of the young players whose role at Real Madrid has attracted attention, especially with the competition for attacking places at the Bernabeu.
Another temporary move had previously been considered as one possible solution, allowing him to gain regular experience elsewhere.
Mourinho’s arrival, however, changed that calculation.
The Real Madrid coach has made it clear that he wants Endrick in his squad, which gives the club a strong reason to resist approaches.
Arsenal may be able to offer the promise of a different sporting situation, but any potential move would ultimately require Madrid to reconsider their current position.
